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The role of oxytocin in birth, bonding

Often referred to as the love, trust or bonding hormone, the overall role of oxytocin in both mental and physical health, as well as its place in the social fabric of life, remains a bit of a mystery to medical experts. Currently, the most straightforward facts about oxytocin pertain to its importance during childbirth, breastfeeding and the bonding between a new mother and her infant.

"Oxytocin is a hormone that is released from the posterior portion of the pituitary gland. It is also available as a synthetic equivalent known by the brand name Pitocin," said Willem Scholtens, pharmacy director at Northern Nevada Medical Center. "Oxytocin exerts a selective action on the smooth musculature of the uterus causing contractions, particularly toward the end of pregnancy, during labor and immediately following delivery. In addition to producing uterine contractions, it also is important in maternal bonding."

According to Scholtens, the body releases large amounts of oxytocin after the distension of the cervix and uterus during labor, and the release of this hormone also stimulates lactation and allows new mothers to begin breastfeeding their babies.

"Prior to birth, oxytocin is used for the initiation or improvement of uterine contractions in order to achieve early vaginal delivery when it is in the best interests of the mother and fetus, such as [in cases of] pre-eclampsia or when membranes are prematurely ruptured," he said. "Oxytocin is also used after birth to produce uterine contractions during the third stage of labor and to control postpartum bleeding."

Beyond the direct connections between oxytocin, birth, breastfeeding and mother-baby bonding, the hormone also is included in a broader category of brain chemicals that play a key role in the way a person functions socially, according to a report by staff at the Mayo Clinic.

"It helps with interpretation of social cues, allowing people to quickly assess facial expressions, making friend-or-foe type judgments. It also plays a role in the ways people respond to stress by promoting a calming, anti-anxiety effect," the Mayo Clinic report states. "Recent research using a nasal spray that delivered oxytocin to the brain indicated that oxytocin might benefit patients with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, a certain type of dementia and a borderline personality in which people are extra sensitive to perceived social threats."

However, the research on the use of oxytocin for these and other conditions is still in the preliminary stages and considered experimental. Other conditions that are the focus of ongoing research into the potential benefits of synthetic oxytocin include irritable bowel syndrome, depression, Asperger's syndrome and anxiety disorders, among others.

"Researchers have seen that positive social interaction appears to stimulate the oxytocin system. That interaction can vary from hugs and support from loved ones to eye contact with beloved dogs," the Mayo Clinic report states. "Researchers speculate that this effect accounts in part for why healthy social relationships are important contributors to overall health and well-being."